Is this a good deal?

jeromebass · #1 05-28-2008, 10:14 AM

I am looking to buy my first upright. I know nothing about them as far as brand names. Is this bass a good deal for $850?

http://humboldt.craigslist.org/msg/693959323.html

MingusAmongUs · #2 05-28-2008, 10:38 AM

"recently checked out by a professional"....
a professional what?
looks ok but can't tell from pics. I've not heard the name. take it to a trusty luthier and have him/her look at it.

Mike D. · #3 05-28-2008, 10:48 AM

You should call the guy to try the bass. The best advice for anyone lookign for a bass is trying as many basses as you can.
I can't really tell from the small photos. It seems to be a newish plywood bass, with a sprayed laquer type finish, and the fingerboard might be rosewood or some other material. I have no idea what material that nut is.
Again, I can't really tell specifics from the photos, but it kinda seems that the top is sinking on the treble side. This bass might just need a better sound-post, I don't know.
He says he took to a luthier and got a 'clean bill of health'. If possible, ask him which luthier. If the seller can provide you with a written receipt of the check-up, or you can go and ask the luthier yourself if they did in-fact see this bass and said everything is alright.
If this is not possible, try to arrange to bring the bass to a luthier you trust before making a decision.
A note of the finger-board and nut. These don't seem to be of the best material you can have for a fingerboard and nut. I guess that's usually what one can expect paying $850 for a plywood bass. Rosewood is a softer wood than ebony and is less durable in providing the right strength for the neck. I don't know how much fingerboard is left to have it dressed, but in any case, it'd be best to change the fingerboard and nut to ebony. This will improve both neck-strength and tone.
I've seen a new fingerboard + "dressing" cost from $700 to a little over $1000.
Depends how much your willing to spend. It might be wise to try, but keep your eyes open for other basses. You might find a better deal.
Hope this helps.
Mike

jeromebass · #4 05-28-2008, 11:17 AM

The only problem with finding a better deal is where I live. This part of California is like 3 hours from any other civilization, lol. It is very rare to see an upright for sale around here. There is a nicer one at the music shop for $1200, but I have seen the same one on line for $700. I would have to put the one I ordered online together though or pay someone to do it. I will at least go check out the one from craigslist. Thank you for the advise. If the seller is willing to meet me at the local string shop to get it inspected and all turns out well, I'll get it.
Thanks again for the replies.

Jake deVilliers · #5 05-28-2008, 11:23 AM

The fingerboard and nut look like Jatoba to me ( though the pix aren't exactly crisp) which isn't black ebony but is also acceptable on an entry level ply.

Its hard to tell if it has a nice fat endpin or a piece of broomstick.

You should take it to someone who knows basses before buying it, just to save yourself from possible disappointment.

Menacewarf · #6 05-28-2008, 12:32 PM

Also don't think because you live in the State of Jefferson that their are no Basses around. Have you tried posting some "Bass Wanted" ads with your price range and location here on talk bass or on craig's list? I live in the Rouge Valley, 4 hrs from you and am comparatively isolated from any big cities and found a bass I am very happy with doing just that. I am consistantly surprised with how many players are hanging in the woodworks.

jeromebass · #7 05-29-2008, 01:58 PM

I went to the local luthier yesterday. I have wanted a descent upright for a while. I broke down and bought a $2000 upright. I pick it up on Friday. I will post picks when I get it.